Borders Ideas

Rock

• Create stone borders from slate or flagstone. Lay these flat rocks directly around the garden without digging a space into the ground. The rocks gradually will sink into the soil and level themselves. Stagger rocks on top of each other and interperse large boulders with smaller rocks to make a miniature rock wall border of varying colors and textures.

Mulch

• Mulch borders retain moisture while keeping weeds away. Decorative mulches include organically dyed red, gold or chocolate shredded hardwood, as well as natural hardwood bark, pine bark, pine straw and a variety of aggregate mulches. Aggregates include brick chips, seashells, oyster shells, multicolor river rock and coral rock. This type of mulch is more permanent than wood varieties, which will need to be replaced as they wash away or blend into the soil. In general, one cubic yard of mulch covers 100 square feet with a 3-inch depth. The heavier bark mulches and aggregates work best on sloping yards because of their weight. Cost varies widely depending on the mulch, quantity, quality and delivery cost. For instance, mulch that must be shipped in from several states away will be costlier.

Plastic

• Plastic edging lasts for several years, so choose a style compatible to the garden's design. A formal garden benefits from the straight lines of a small picket fence, while an informal garden works well with a flexible border that bends to follow the garden's curves.

Brick

• Choose landscape bricks in a shape and color that will complement your yard. For example, red bricks traditionally pair with formal white homes with black trim. Line bricks up end to end to create a polished border, or stack them in a zigzag pattern. Lay bricks flat along the edge of a flower garden, flush with the grass, so you can mow directly over the edge. Make a brick walkway around the gardens. Allow bricks to sink into the yard over time or place a layer of landscape fabric underneath to contain the pathway. Fill blank spaces with pea gravel.

Wood

• Railroad ties create straight edges, which require digging a trench level to the edge of the garden. Fresh wood must be power washed before it's installed, but aged timber can be used as is. The preservatives in fresh wood can leach into the soil and contaminate the soil. Avoid this problem by choosing a synthetic wood. Wood rounds or wood logs are available specifically for borders. Vary the height of the wood logs for interest. Dig down three to four inches to secure the wood. Natural wood borders will weather and blend into the garden over time.

Flower Borders

• Plant a flower border using bulbs, perennials or annuals. Create a naturalized border from plants such as trilliums, daffodils or lily of the valley that will continue to spread and fill a driveway border or a border between two homes.